The Herald in Glasgow has been named Newsquest Daily Newspaper of the Year.

The judge praised it as “an assured thoroughbred” adding: “It’s twice the size, has twice the staff but is actually twice as good as its nearest rivals.

“The quality of the winning title shines through in design, writing and photography.”

More than 150 people saw its editor, Mark Douglas-Home, (pictured below), collect the award from Newsquest chairman and chief executive Paul Davidson at the annual Newsquest Editorial and Newspaper Sales Awards.

It was one of 27 presented at the event, which was hosted by Howard Scott, group newspaper sales director, and Margaret Strayton, group editorial manager.

The editorial results were:

Trainee Reporter of the Year: Kate McGrath, Echo (Essex).

The judges said: “A meticulously-presented entry from a reporter whose enthusiasm, determination and flair shone out from the cuttings which included a scandal at a mental hospital, a murder mystery, a school in chaos and the exclusive discovery that both candidates in the American presidential election could trace their roots back to the same man from a village on the reporter’s patch. Great stuff, well-written and a deserving winner.”

Highly commended: Martyn Kent, Hendon Times.

Feature writer of the Year: Angela Wintle, The Argus, Brighton.

The judges said: “Reading an interview by this writer doesn’t just give you a fascinating insight into her subject matter. Just as interesting is the personality, honesty and effortless humour of the journalist herself, which is liberally sprinkled on everything she writes.”

Highly commended: Sheila Hamilton, Evening Times, Glasgow.

Sports Reporter of the Year: Suzanne Geldard, Lancashire Evening Telegraph.

The judges said: “This writer really stood out. Not afraid to tackle sports and subjects outside the mainstream – an attitude which uncovered a series of fascinating stories about local sporting characters who rarely get to tell their tales.”

Highly commended: Scott Wilson, The Northern Echo.

Photographer of the Year: Stephen Garnett, Craven Herald (pictured).

“He has produced a wonderful portfolio of images from routine assignments that less gifted photographers would not have had the imagination to capture. His work stands out given the limited picture opportunities in a sparsely populated area.”

Highly commended: Colin Mearns, The Herald.

Sub-Editor/Designer of the Year: Caroline Woollard, South Wales Argus.

The judges said: “Her portfolio demonstrated she was equally at home working on a front page or a fashion spread.”

Highly commended: Chris Parnell, Daily Echo, Bournemouth.

Daily News Reporter of the Year: Phil Mills, The Argus, Brighton.

The judges said: “This reporter produces some brilliant pieces of work, exclusives which are readable and warm. His coverage of the national story of murdered Jane Longhurst which happened in his area is authoritative, comprehensive but above all very well written. He clearly forges relationships with those who are in the news and they trust him, as he demonstrated with the exclusive pictures and chats with victims of the A23 and Portland crashes.”

Highly commended: Lucy Adams, The Herald.

Weekly News Reporter of the Year: Paul Armstrong, Falmouth Packet (pictured).

The judges said: “Epitomised all that is good about a local weekly reporter. He knows his patch like the back of his hand, is well-informed, always seems to be in the right place at the right time and has the all-important contacts to get the scoop.”

Highly commended: Bill Tanner, Hereford Times.

Scoop of the Year: Lancashire Evening Telegraph – amazing revelations of Robert Lund.

The judges said: “A great story in itself borne out with dogged determination, persistence and a second language by reporter Clare Cook who knew her readers wanted answers, spotted her opportunity and got her story – enough to fill five pages spread across five days. No wonder it was followed up by radio, TV and other media. Praise must also go to the photographer, Neil Johnson.”

Highly commended: The Argus, Brighton.

Free Weekly Newspaper of the Year: Camborne & Redruth Packet.

The judges said: “The Page One lay-out carries off that very difficult trick of being eye-catching with out looking downmarket or sensational while the blurbs have impact and relevance. Internally the lay-out is easy to follow and clutter free with the Letters and Comment page a particular strength. Special mention must be made of the sports pages which were very comprehensive.”

Highly commended: Evesham Journal, Kidderminster Shuttle and Sale and Altrincham Messenger.

Campaign of the Year: The Northern Echo – The Forgotten Hero.

The judges said: “This was an extraordinary campaign, so different to the normal money-raising missions that local and regional newspapers undertake. Well displayed and well written, it was not just a worthy cause but an extremely interesting read. To raise £40,000 for a statue in memory of a war hero is not an easy task.”

Highly commended: Telegraph & Argus, Bradford.

Paid-for Weekly Newspaper of the Year: The Oxford Times.

The judges said: “Quite simply, the best of a very good bunch. Confident and thoughtful presentation; excellent story selection and projection; fascinating, well-researched articles and opinion pieces and a powerfully put together sports section. The supplements were of very high quality and the value-for-money factor unrivalled.”

Highly commended: Darlington & Stockton Times.

Daily Newspaper of the Year: The Herald.

The judges said: “The winner is clearly head and shoulders in a class of its own.”

Highly commended: Evening Times, Glasgow, and the Lancashire Evening Telegraph.

Launch of the Year: Evening Press, York.

Highly commended: The Argus, Brighton.

Team of the Year: The Northern Echo.

The judges said: “The winning editorial and newspaper sales team demonstrated that they truly do work as a team, not just on specific projects or campaigns, but throughout their day to day activities.”

Highly commended: Southern Daily Echo.

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